Hydrogen-infused water, commonly known as hydrogen water, has gained attention in the alternative health community for its potential benefits. Proponents claim it can reduce inflammation, improve metabolic health, and enhance mood. While these possibilities are intriguing, it’s important to note that the scientific evidence supporting these claims is not yet conclusive or consistent.
The Current State of Research
I came across an article that provides a comprehensive overview of the current scientific evidence surrounding hydrogen-infused water. One key point mentioned is that many studies investigating the effects of hydrogen water have significant limitations, including small sample sizes, short durations, and design flaws. These issues undermine the reliability and generalizability of the findings.
Potential Benefits
Despite these constraints, the main potential health benefits of hydrogen water based on several studies include:
- Reduced Inflammation: A randomized, double-blind trial found that drinking 1,500 ml of hydrogen water daily for four weeks increased antioxidant potential and reduced inflammation, particularly in adults over 30. Another study showed that women drinking hydrogen water combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy had a reduction in proinflammatory cytokine scores compared to those receiving only therapy.
- Improved Metabolic Health: A meta-analysis of seven studies found that drinking hydrogen water reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, though the effects were small to moderate. A 24-week study on individuals with metabolic syndrome reported significant improvements in body mass index (BMI), blood cholesterol levels, glucose levels, and inflammation markers after consuming hydrogen water.
- Potential Benefits for Gut Health: Young female soccer players had enhanced gut flora diversity after drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of hydrogen water daily for two months. Patients with impaired fasting glucose showed changes in gut microbiota and reduced fasting blood glucose levels after drinking one liter of hydrogen water daily for two months.
- Alleviated Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Symptoms: A study found that women drinking 1,500-2,000 ml of hydrogen water daily during the latter half of their menstrual cycle reported a reduction in PMS symptoms over three cycles.
While these findings are promising, more extensive, well-designed research with larger sample sizes, longer durations, and standardized hydrogen water protocols is needed. This will confirm these benefits and explore possible long-term effects.
Hydrogen Water vs. Regular Water
It’s worth noting that the primary difference between hydrogen water and regular water is a slightly elevated concentration of hydrogen in the former. While hydrogen water is generally considered safe, its proposed advantages still need to be conclusively proven and may not justify the additional cost compared to regular water.
One challenge with hydrogen water is that most commercial sources don’t maintain extra hydrogen for long, as it typically diffuses out of the water quickly. However, here at PUR-FORM, hydrogen gas is often bubbled through water immediately before consumption to ensure patients receive genuinely hydrogen-enriched water.
Potential Use Cases for Hydrogen Water
At PUR-FORM, we use hydrogen water for several purposes:
- Chronic Inflammation
- Post-Surgical Recovery
- Stress Reduction
- Gut Health Improvement
- General Wellness Improvement
It’s essential to approach these potential benefits with a critical eye and consult with healthcare professionals before incorporating hydrogen therapy into your wellness routine. As research progresses, we may gain a clearer understanding of the true efficacy of hydrogen water and its optimal applications.
-Dr. P
